The biggest question mark surrounding LSU heading into this preseason was the offensive line.
The Tigers' unit up front, which was one of the best pass blocking groups in the sport the last two seasons, came into this year needing to replace four three-year starters.
LSU football workload management
Although the front has had an up-and-down preseason, coach Brian Kelly has little doubt in the quality of LSU's line heading into the season opener against Clemson on Aug. 30.
"I've coached for a long time, a lot of guys in the NFL, a lot of first round draft picks. I think I've got a pretty good eye for what an offensive line looks like," Kelly said. "This group is going to be really good."
All four starters who left were selected in the NFL Draft in April. The first player picked was star left tackle Will Campbell, who was the No. 4 overall selection.
Kelly admits the Tigers don't have a lineman of Campbell's caliber, but he believes the unit has done a good job of working together. That cohesion, he says, starts with Virginia Tech transfer Braelin Moore at center.
"Braelin Moore kind of sets up the rest of the group for success," Kelly said, "his combination work is outstanding, his recognition of fronts.
"(For) us to be an elite offensive line, if you have a center that can kind of set the stage for that, it allows everything else to kind of fall into place."
LSU has mostly stuck with the same starting five on the offensive line this preseason, only occasionally rotating redshirt sophomore Paul Mubenga and redshirt freshman Coen Echols with the first team.
Alongside Moore, the Tigers have turned to Northwestern transfer Josh Thompson at right guard, redshirt sophomore DJ Chester — LSU's lone returning starter — at left guard, redshirt sophomore Tyree Adams at left tackle and redshirt freshman Weston Davis at right tackle.